Three years into his NBA career, Dereck Lively II is already eager to pay it forward. The Dallas Mavericks center, who earned NBA All-Rookie honors as a first-year player, is stepping into a mentorship role for Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Lively, a fellow Duke alum, sees it as a chance to guide Flagg through the same transition he experienced not long ago.
“We welcomed Coop with open arms,” Lively said. “I called him earlier today — he’s always smiling, always cracking a joke. I’m making sure he feels as comfortable as possible, giving him any little detail or advice. I remember how frightened I was at 19. He’s only 18.”
Cooper Flagg Enters NBA with Sky-High Expectations
Flagg arrives in Dallas with enormous expectations after a standout season at Duke, where he led the Blue Devils to the Final Four and was named AP national college player of the year. He averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks while shooting 38.5% from beyond the arc, becoming the 22nd consensus first-team All-American in program history.
The 18-year-old is already viewed as a generational talent. His performance in the NBA Summer League only added to the hype, averaging 20.5 points, five rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 steals on 35.7% shooting in two appearances. Flagg capped his debut run with a 31-point outburst against the San Antonio Spurs.
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd believes Flagg is walking into an ideal situation, with a locker room that features a balance of veteran leadership and rising players like Lively. Kidd emphasized that Flagg will be challenged to contribute immediately while being supported in his development.
Lively, who has known Flagg for several years through their shared Duke connection, is ready to be a constant presence throughout Flagg’s rookie journey.
“I’ve probably known him for a couple of years now, at least two or three,” Lively said. “He’s always been the same smiling, joking kid. I’m glad he’s been able to stay grounded, not letting the spotlight overwhelm him. Whether he’s in the gym or hanging out at the house, he’s always just being Coop.”
Dereck Lively II’s Leadership Extends Beyond the Court
Lively’s role as a mentor goes beyond guiding rookies. During a youth camp with the Mavs Hoop Academy, he emphasized the importance of giving back to the community and making an impact on young fans.
“We’re not superheroes; we’re people,” Lively said. “A lot of kids in Dallas look up to NBA players. We just gotta show them how much of a person we are. You can come up and give us a hug — we’re gonna hug you back.”
He continued: “No matter if it’s this camp here or the camp I’m having in Philly in two weeks, I’m just trying to make an impact on every kid. Whether it’s about stuff on the court or off the court, I want to make a difference.”
For Lively, the mentorship role with Flagg is part of a broader mission to lead by example.
“There are a lot of followers instead of leaders, so I’m trying to teach as many kids as possible to be leaders,” Lively said. “I don’t want them thinking their dream is too big. I’d rather they dream bigger than dream smaller.”
The Mavericks are banking on Flagg’s unique blend of size, skill, and poise to accelerate their retooling process. For Lively, it’s about ensuring his new teammate enjoys the journey along the way.
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